Manhunt underway for gang-related suspects

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) – Police are looking for six men believed to be connected to gangs.

Police say each suspect named in a Thursday press release is either a gang member or affiliated with gang members. An outstanding arrest warrant is out for each suspect. Another two names were added on Friday. The names include:

Eric D. Kirk, 32, for a parole violation. He is 5-foot-7 and weighs 153 pounds.

Known address: 1610 Sheffield Road, Champaign

Warrant bond: None

Jamar Vincent Lewis, 28, for a probation violation. He is 5-foot-9 and weighs about 200 pounds.

Known address: 806 N. State St., Champaign

Warrant bond: $50,000

Qwantrell L. Ayres, 28, for possession of a controlled substance. He is 6-foot-2 and weighs 170 pounds.

Known address: 409 S. Dodson Drive, Urbana

Warrant bond: $5,000

Equarieon L. Jeter, 21, for resisting/obstructing a police officer. He is 6 feet tall and weighs about 153 pounds.

Known address: 2008 N. Mattis Ave., Apt. 204B, Champaign

Warrant bond: $1,000

Shamario Brown, 20, for a parole violation. His is 5-foot-4 and weighs close to 140 pounds.

Known address: 800 block of E. Kerr Ave., Urbana

Warrant bond: None

Kenichi Townsend, 23, for felony aggravated battery. His is 5-foot-10 and weighs about 170 pounds.

Known address: 3602 Colleen Drive, Champaign

Warrant bond: $25,000

In a press release listing these names, police said they’re investigating 11 recent shootings in Champaign-Urbana, which began on Sept. 18. They believe those shootings are a result of escalating tensions between rival gangs. Officers say they’re working to increase patrols and investigative resources in neighborhoods affected by violence.

Police are asking people to act instead of staying silent and report gang-related activity. Officers are stressing that friends and family of people involved in gangs are “not immune” from dangers they may pose. Suspicious activity should also be reported.

Anyone with information on information about the shootings or the four suspects is asked to call the Champaign Police Department at (217)351-4545. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers at (217)373-TIPS.